19 Smart Ways to Fix a Stale Relationship

19 Smart Ways to Fix a Stale Relationship

Fighting all the time? Bored as hell (even with the sex)? Yup, we've been there. Relationship ruts are normal, but they can also be frustrating, isolating, and simply no fun. That's why we've gathered together a big 'ol list of ways to bring the spark back to a fizzling relationship.

What You Need to Know

According to studies, couples' long-term satisfaction with each other and their relationship depends on a few key factors: thinking positively about each other, thinking about each other when they're apart, acting affectionately toward each other, sharing new and challenging activities, and generally being happy in both their individual and shared lives. Oh, and having sex.

Sounds great to us—but the truth is virtually no relationship elicits feelings of pure bliss all the time. It's normal for people in long-term relationships to go through periods of lesser and greater intimacy; in fact, a decline in love and satisfaction after the doe-eyed period of a relationship is one of the most well-documented findings in Western marriage.

Unfortunately, there's no official definition or time frame for these relationship lulls, since they take different forms in different relationships. However, general signs of being in a rut include fighting a lot, being bored, and lack of sexual interest or activity.

The Good News

Since relationship ruts are a common phenomenon, people have put a lot of effort into finding ways to haul ourselves out of them. Before trying to rejuvenate a relationship, remember there's nothing wrong with losing a little passion now and again; it's normal.

The important thing is putting in the effort to sustain the relationship (provided a person wants to, of course) even during those periods of "lesser intimacy." On that note, presenting your action plan to bring a relationship back to peak satisfaction:

The Boredom Rut

1. Try (exciting!) new activities.

Doing things together is obviously key to maintaining a relationship, but doing the same things all the time can lead to boredom, which is linked to decreased relationship quality. Stave off the blahs by trying new and exhilarating activities together (sky diving, taking a weekend trip, riding roller coasters, a couples' massage)—doing so can enhance relationship satisfaction. And don't be afraid to get goofy! Cook dinner naked, play "the floor is lava," or practice your hide-and-go-seeking skills—playing together can boost relationship happiness.

Still at a loss for ideas? Try reflecting on exciting things you did together in the beginning of the relationship and re-create those experiences.

2. Create a "Couple's Bucket List."

Work together to create a list of things you want to do together as a couple, without the "excitement" requirement (cook dinner together once a week, go to a café or bookstore, grab produce at a farmer's market). Then choose three items from the list and tackle them over the next three months.

3. Kick screens out of the bedroom.

Ditch the TV, laptops, tablets, and phones and pay attention to each other instead.

6. Name what you like about each other.

Express appreciation through positive feedback (not just negative, which we're prone to focus on in a "fighting stage")—doing so can help both partners feel more attractive and confident. Challenge yourself to sit down and make a list of things you like about your partner, and then share them.

7. Work out together.

8. Talk through problems with people outside the relationship.

It's easy for couples to get stuck in the same old fight patterns behind closed doors. We can benefit from hearing how other people deal with similar situations, because it can give us ideas for changing our own approach—which will hopefully change the outcome of the conflict.

9. If you live together, share household chores evenly.

Unequal distribution of chores is closely tied to rankled emotions. Bonus: Studies find that husbands and wives who do housework together have more sex.

10. Bounce back post-conflicts.

Handling disagreements well—by, for example, practicing forgiveness and not judging each other—predicts more positive relationship emotions and satisfaction.Recovering from conflict in romantic relationships: a developmental perspective. Salvatore JE, Kuo SI, Steele RD. Psychological science, 2011, Jan.;22(3):1467-9280." data-widget="linkref It can help to remember that it's less important to solve the conflict than it is to treat each other well, even if there's no solution to be found.

12. Create a "fantasy jar."

Write out as many fantasies as you can think of, each on a separate piece of paper, and have your partner do the same. Stick 'em all in a jar, then take turns picking out of the jar and acting out the fantasies.

14. Sext while you're apart.

It'll build anticipation for fun times later in the day. Don't want to use your work phone? Create "For Your Eyes Only" email accounts to communicate saucy messages while you're away.

15. Shake things up.

If you're used to long, slow sessions like the ones Sting has (not really) had, change up routines by having the occasional quickie or getting jiggy with it in unusual places.

16. Don't forget non-sexual touch.

Hugs, massages, an arm slipped around a waist—these small actions can all boost feelings of affection.

The General Rut

17. Don't be embarrassed to seek external support.

It's probably not a great idea to propose couples therapy six weeks into a relationship. But for people in it for the long term, therapy is a reasonable (and sometimes necessary) choice.

18. Remember not all relationships are worth saving.

Yes, relationships go through phases of lesser and greater closeness, but sometimes people just aren't compatible. And emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse is never okay. Not sure if you should stick around? The best bet is to see a personal or couples therapist for their take on the relationship.